New Castle County Department Of Public Safety Meeting Minutes
The meeting began with presentations from the New Castle County Department of Police (NCCPD). Key updates included the expected graduation date for the 54th Academy in March 2026, successful completion of the CALEA Accreditation 2025 review, and the delivery of new technology like drones and body-worn cameras. Patrol Division highlights featured successful apprehensions using License Plate Readers (LPR) related to armed home invasions and stolen vehicles, and successful canine unit operations leading to suspect apprehensions and locating a firearm. Investigative Services reported decreases in robbery, burglary, and auto theft incidents, but an increase in homicides, along with notable achievements such as creating a protocol for collecting DNA from spent shell casings and expanding partnership with the DE Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Operations Support detailed traffic statistics, the status of the Mounted Unit including the retirement of a Mount Warden, and significant metrics from the Behavioral Health Unit regarding mental health referrals and overdose outreach effectiveness. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported on call volume increases and high success rates in Hands Only CPR training. Emergency Communications (911) presented detailed staffing and overtime statistics for Public Safety Operators, RECOM, and Fireboard, noting increases in processed calls for Police and Fire/EMS. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) covered training exercises, response to the January 2026 winter storm, and future plans regarding the Local Emergency Planning Committee leadership.